Odds-on that you'll like Sados' Guys and Dolls
THE Sados crew certainly seemed like they were Havana good time with some Guys and Dolls in their latest performance.
The original broadway hit was so popular that a film starring Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Jean Simmons was made in 1953.
It's New York in the 1940s and Sergeant Sarah Brown (Trish Burgess) of the Save-a-Soul Mission is trying to rescue the gamblers and conmen from a future of doom – until legendary gambler Sky Masterson (Daran Bland) appears on the scene.
Meanwhile Nathan Detroit (Sam Johnson) and his fiance of 14 years (You'd get less for moider, I'm tempted to say) Miss Adelaide (the ever-reliable Sharon Barker) enjoy a rollercoaster relationship as Nathan tries to hit a winning streak but avoid marriage.
Sky bets Nathan that he can take Sarah on a date to Cuba and the odds constantly change to make it happen before they return for a cataclysmic final roll of the dice that will affect relationships and even whether the mission survives.
Trish and Daran who were also great in last year's brilliant Calamity Jane, didn't get a note wrong.
But they were backed up by a particularly strong ensemble for some excellent set pieces.
The Havana scene was superb – from the "Indiana Jones" style plane graphics showing the flight, to the full rampant party atmosphere of Central America and an extended dance display of flowing dresses and smart suits.
The confessions scene was also excellent as the crooks stood up and unloaded their craps problems, if you will, with a great version of "Sit Down You're rockin the Boat from Nicely Nicely Johnson (Norman Parish) and choral support.
You'll want to put your hands up for Detroit as Sam was excellent in his role, with great down-and-out facial expressions as his luck fluctuates.
A quick word also for Paul Coleman and Craig Delaney who produced a polished performance in their first roles as artistic director and musical director respectively.
One of my only criticisms was the slowness and noisiness of the curtains going up and down – New York in the 1940s sounded like a Dyson factory in the 2000s at some points.
But apart from this minor gripe it was an excellent show, especially as I heard rumours that earlier in the week a couple of the rehearsals needed a little polished.
Not any longer, and I would encourage everyone to get to one of the remaining performances – you can bet you'll enjoy it.
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Weather for Spalding
Thursday 24 May 2012
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